I don’t know about you, but I love visiting a museum. It’s a great way to get out the house and experience other cultures from around the world, learn about local history and more. So upon asking, our social media following bombarded us with their favourite museums from around the county. Here’s ten of the best!
Dartmouth Museum, Dartmouth
Dartmouth Museum is a small but fascinating and interesting museum which occupies part of the historic Butterwalk, a terrace of rich merchants’ houses built around 1640. Re-designed to national museum standards in recent years, it displays an extensive collection of artefacts, models, paintings and photographs relating to Dartmouth and the surrounding district. The collection is, as you would expect, wide ranging, but there is special attention to the maritime history of the town and its social and physical development.
https://www.dartmouthmuseum.org/
Bickleigh Castle, Bickleigh
Bickleigh Castle was owned by three families linked by marriage from the Norman period until 1924. It has close connections with the Plantaganets, the Tudors, especially King Henry VII and VIII, and also with the Stuarts. The 17th Century owner Sir Henry Carew was visited by the Queen in 1644.
Bickleigh’s guided tours are for all age groups – from families to school groups, and must be booked in advance. They can also make school visits an interactive experience.
Shaldon Museum, Teignmouth
The Teign Heritage Centre, home to the Teignmouth and Shaldon Museum, opened its doors to the public on 28th May 2011. The Centre offers local residents and visitors the opportunity to explore the fascinating heritage of the area, as well as attend events, concerts and workshops.
https://www.teignheritage.org.uk/
Royal Albert, Exeter
Exeter’s world-class museum has stunning displays and galleries, fabulous exhibitions and modern amenities. The displays reveal Devon and Exeter’s rich history and global connections. Exotic animals, birds and insects delight children and the World Cultures galleries display stunning items from all over the world.
Devonport Naval Heritage Centre, Plymouth
The Devonport Naval Heritage Site and Visitor Centre records the development of The Dockyard and Plymouth’s pivotal role in supporting the Royal Navy through major conflicts since 1300, including two World Wars. Through its collections, interactive experiences and pictorial interpretation the drama of the close relationship of Devonport, the Royal Navy, The Dockyard and the people of Plymouth can be explored.
https://devonportnhc.wordpress.com/
Fairlynch Museum, Budliegh Salterton
Opened in 1967, Fairlynch Museum and Arts Centre is an educational charity administered by Trustees. The Museum aims to display imaginatively archaeological and geological objects, documents, photographs, art works and other information relating to the history of the town of Budleigh Salterton and the parishes of the Lower Otter Valley as far as Newton Poppleford and Harpford.
https://www.fairlynchmuseum.uk/
North Devon Maritime Museum, Appledore
Situated in the picturesque village and sea port of Appledore – on the estuary of the Taw and Torridge rivers – the North Devon Maritime museum offers a fascinating insight into the rich shipbuilding and seafaring history of the area.
In seven exhibition rooms, visitors can discover the WWII beach landing experiments, sail and steam vessels, shipwrecks and much more.
https://www.northdevonmaritimemuseum.co.uk/
Bygones, Torquay
From the Victorians to wartime Britain and the fabulous fifties, wonder at the thousands of objects on display at Bygones, including advertising, arts, dolls, fashion, furniture, games, homeware, letters, medals, packaging, railways, models and toys.
The Golden Hind, Brixham
There’s so much to see and explore above and below the five decks of the Golden Hind Museum Ship in Brixham, with many hands on-exhibits, giving visitors of all ages a wonderful insight into life aboard Sir Francis Drake’s Tudor galleon.
Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre, Lifton
The Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre is home to the National Fairground Collection and the Fairground Heritage Trust. It is a facility unique in the UK. There are superb displays of Fairground Art and Memorabilia, and a large array of vintage rides, stalls and shows. Their vintage fairground rides operate every day throughout the season.
There will be special themed events throughout the season, in addition to which they are open every day from April through to the end of October and weekends in November and December.